MISHNAH: The ten tribes are not destined to return, as it is said: "And He cast them into another land, as it is this day" (Deuteronomy 29:27). Just as the day goes and does not return, so too they go and do not return; these are the words of Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Eliezer says: "As it is this day" -- just as the day grows dark and then grows light, so too the ten tribes, for whom it is dark, so it is destined to grow light for them.
GEMARA: Our Rabbis taught: The ten tribes have no share in the world to come, as it is said: "And the LORD uprooted them from off their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great fury" (Deuteronomy 29:27). "And the LORD uprooted them from off their land" -- in this world; "And He cast them into another land" -- to the world to come; these are the words of Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Shimon ben Yehuda of the village of Akko says in the name of Rabbi Shimon: If their deeds are "as it is this day," they do not return, but if not, they return.
Rabbi says: They are coming to the world to come, as it is said: "On that day a great shofar shall be sounded," etc. (Isaiah 27:13). Rabba bar bar Hana said that Rabbi Yochanan said: Rabbi Akiva abandoned his piety, as it is said: "Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: Return, faithless Israel, says the LORD; I will not cause My face to fall upon you, for I am merciful, says the LORD; I will not bear a grudge forever" (Jeremiah 3:12).
